Amber Humm Patnode is the Interim Director for Proving Ground at the Center for Education Policy Research. Prior to joining the Center for Education Policy Research, Amber was the Associate Director for Innovation and Outreach of an education research center at the University of Minnesota where she conducted program evaluation, facilitated professional learning, and provided technical assistance to school districts and schools related to MTSS implementation, data-based problem-solving, and chronic absenteeism. During this time, she was also a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for children within the child protection system in Minneapolis. Amber previously served as a Co-Coordinator of Professional Learning, Research and Evaluation for the Florida Problem-Solving and Response to Intervention Project at the University of South Florida. She supported school districts through research, technical assistance, and professional learning focused on PreK-12 MTSS implementation, development, and implementation of early warning systems and evidence-based practices to support attendance and chronic absenteeism. She led studies to develop tools to identify reasons for chronic absenteeism among secondary students and parents of chronically absent Pre-K students. She has also worked as a school psychologist within school districts in MI, LA, AZ, and SC. Amber received a Ph.D. in school psychology with an emphasis in organizational consultation and systems change from the University of South Florida.